Is your inbox constantly overflowing with unread emails?
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the seemingly never-ending barrage of messages?
And do you need help finding the time to organise them?
You're not alone; this is a common issue for busy women juggling multiple responsibilities. The good news is that there are some practical strategies you can use to regain control over your inbox and achieve that elusive "inbox zero" status.
Prioritise your inbox. You can use flags to mark important emails so they don't get lost amongst the others. You can also use labels and folders to categorise emails. For the folders, I suggest using action words such as 'Do' or 'Read'. Then, it is clear how you need to action each folder.
Unsubscribe and filter. Go on a monthly unsubscribe spree and create rules to filter out those promotional or spam emails. For example, you can create a rule that any email with the word unsubscribe in it will go to a specific folder.
Sort emails. You can sort emails according to what you need. For example, when filing emails- you should sort by 'from' to know where to file it. Also, consider sorting by unread if you are catching up on your emails.
Schedule time. Rather than constantly checking your email throughout the day, schedule specific time blocks for this task. It will make you much more productive.
Use templates. Often get specific questions? Use standard email replies you send and create templates; this will save you valuable time rather than writing the same thing repeatedly.
Archive and delete. If there are a whole bunch of spam emails or old emails you don't need, don't hesitate to use the archive or delete folders. You can always come back to them if you need to.
Practice email etiquette. Employ clear and concise communication in your email exchanges. This can reduce the need for lengthy back-and-forths and ensure your messages are easily understood.
Unplug and disconnect. Sometimes, it's essential to disconnect from email entirely. Turn off email notifications during focused work sessions or quality family time to reduce distractions.
Regaining control over your inbox is a significant step towards a more organised and productive life. By implementing these email management hacks, you'll find that your inbox is less cluttered, and you spend your time and attention on what truly matters. Achieving "inbox zero" may take some time, but with patience and consistent effort, it's an attainable goal for busy women like you!
Don't want to do it on your own? I am more than happy to assist. Contact me today to discuss how I can help with your inbox needs.
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